The Technical Scholars Program is a partnership between Spartanburg Community College and local employers that allows students to work part-time for an employer while pursuing an associate's degree full-time. Employers provide tuition assistance and wages. The program began in 1982 and now includes over 10 participating companies. It addresses the need for skilled technical workers as nearly half the local workforce requires technical skills and many current workers will retire in the next 10 years. The program benefits students, employers, and the college.

1. Spartanburg Community College
Technical Scholars Program
Jennifer Little, Director, Career Services
Spartanburg Community College

2. What is the Technical Scholars Program?
 Partnership between Spartanburg Community College and local employers
 Students are enrolled in an Associates Degree program full time and work for
the employer part-time
 Employer provides tuition assistance and an hourly wage for the student
 Program began in 1982
 Michelin was one of the original companies to hire scholars and now has 7
participating students
 BMW started with 6 scholars from SCC four years ago and now has 36 SCC students

3. CAMIT Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZTF3kisJlI

4. “Grey Tsunami” = Program Growth
 Employers need to transfer knowledge
 42% of the current workforce in these counties is over
50 years old, will retire over the next 10 years.
 Over 27% of the tri-county workforce is engaged in
manufacturing, plus another 18% in construction.
Nearly half (45%) engaged in jobs that require
technical, mechanical or industrial skill sets
“Desperate need for technically trained workers in the
Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties”
- 2014 Upstate Job Scene Report

5. Geography
 Inland port (opened Oct. 2013)
 85/26 interchange
 The BMW effect:
 BMW has one of the highest
employment multiplier (4.0) effects
in SC.
 indirect and induced economic
impact results in 30,777 jobs
 13 suppliers in Spartanburg County
 New York Times: Spartanburg County
has the “highest per capita
international investment in the
country” home to over 100
international firms representing 15
countries.

6. Rapid Growth

7. Benefits to the Student
 Apply real-world skills and experiences to classroom instruction
 Work part-time and earn wages at one of the area’s leading
companies/healthcare facilities
 Receive support for educational expenses
 Considered for full-time employment
“Being a BMW Scholar has helped me gain hands-on
experiences in the industry that could take years to grasp.”
- Chee Kue, BMW Scholar

8. Benefits to the Sponsoring Company
 Simultaneous on the job training and academic coursework allow
employers to “grow their own” workforce.
 Cost-effective recruitment and training of potential career employees
 Access to motivated students who possess a wide range of skills
 On-site evaluation of candidates for permanent employment
 An opportunity to participate in and influence the educational process

9. Benefits to the College:
 Increases community support
 Keeps education current with employer needs
 Assists with the placement of graduates
 Provides insight into the future direction of industry
 Supports the future demand for highly skilled technicians.

10. 10 Participating Companies
Students and company representatives at
2014 Awards Day Technical Scholars Reception
 Auriga Polymers – 2 students
 BASF – 1 student
 BMW – 35 students
 Michelin – 6 students
 Erhardt + Leimer – 2 students
 Schaeffler Group – 1 student
 SealedAir – 2 students
 Spinx – currently recruiting
 Steeger USA – 1 student
 WSPA – 1 student

11. Student Requirements
 Each company identifies specific qualifications, but general requirements are:
 High School Diploma or GED
 At least 18 years old
 Enrolled full time in an appropriate Associate Degree program
 Have and maintain a 2.5 GPA (or higher if designated by company)
“In the BMW scholars program I get to take what I learn at SCC and put it to work at the areas
top manufacturing company. BMW and SCC have created a great program putting education first
and creating endless opportunities for the future. I am very proud to be a part of this program.”
- Dale Phillips BMW Scholar

12. Hiring Process
 Employer announces opportunity
 SCC Career Services office collects Technical Scholars Applications and verifies
eligibility according to company/program requirements
 BMW – Students apply to BMW Scholar opportunity through BMW website
 Michelin – Students take math and mechanical aptitude tests on campus (SCC
coordinates a pre-test math review session)
 Employer selects students to interview on-campus or on-site
 Employer hires Technical Scholars
 Upon graduation, companies often offer a full time position
 (BMW 100% of scholars offered FT)

13. BMW Scholar Timeline
February 2016
• Application opens
February – May
• Student completes resume and SCC enrollment
• Students with 3.0 GPA and SCC Acceptance letter can apply
May 2016
• High School Students receive final transcript, can apply
May – August
• Student completes SCC registration
• Student obtains printed copies of their resume, unofficial transcript,
and SCC acceptance letter (or Fall 2016 class schedule)
• Student makes an appointment to submit documents and complete
online BMW application (in SCC Career Services office, 864-592-4820)
February – August
• BMW tests, interviews and processes applicants as applications are
received
August – November
• BMW Scholars selected and begin working at BMW

14. BMW Scholar Application Checklist
Qualifications to Apply:
 SCC Letter of Acceptance/ Enrolled for the Fall 2016 semester
full time in an approved program of study
 18 years of age or older
 High School Diploma or GED
 2.8+ GPA from most recent education (3.0+ if not yet graduated)
Application Materials (printed):
 Resume
 Unofficial Transcript from most recent education
 SCC Acceptance Letter or Fall 2016 Class Schedule

15. BMW Scholar Video
https://www.bmwusfactory.c
om/student-programs/technical-
and-community-college-
students/scholars-program/

16. Scholar Success
 SCC graduated 30 Technical Scholars this May.
 BMW graduated their largest class of Scholars thus far
this summer.
 All were offered full time positions
 Two new companies started a Technical Scholar
program in 2014:
 SealedAir
 Auriga Polymers
 First non-technical Scholar position hired
 Erhardt + Leimer Sales Scholar
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2012
SCC BMW Scholar Graduates 2015

17. Lessons learned along the way
 Constant communication with Industry to:
 Review training needs
 Changes in technology
 Meet demand for skilled workforce
 Establish lasting partnerships
 Facilitate student, industry and community growth
“Such a wonderful opportunity to help accelerate your career and learning
experience! The Technical Scholars program has provided me with a
valuable chance to have a successful life. A true "once in a lifetime"
window of opportunity!”
- Dustin Reid, BMW Scholar and 2014 SCC Graduate

18. Technical Scholar Information Sessions
 April 26th, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus
 June 21st, 6-7pm, SCC Central Campus
Open to students, parents, and the community.

19. Questions?
Jennifer Little
Director, Career Services
Spartanburg Community College
864-592-4808
littlej@sccsc.edu